22 While they were eating, he took a portion of bread, and after blessing it he broke it up, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 I guarantee you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 After hymn singing, they went out to the Mount of Olive trees.

this body, this blood, that day

The special meal the Lord shared with the apostles was intended as a promise. It was a promise that his body would be the one broken to make them whole. It was a promise that his blood would be poured out to make it possible for them to have full eternal, immortal life. And it was a promise that he would rise from the dead, and come again to be with us in his future kingdom – the kingdom that God intended.

Every time we believers look at the broken bread and shimmering cup, we remember what he did for us – something that only he could do because only he was qualified to be the sacrifice for our sins. We can also remember that promise which is yet unfulfilled. It is a promise of a celebration which cannot take place because the groom is not here yet. But he’s coming.

Will you be there for him on that day? He was there for you – paying the price for you even before you were born. Wait for him.

LORD, come quickly. We long for the eternal life and joy you promised.